Triphala

Triphala is one of the best-known herbal blends, is over 1000 years old, and holds a central place especially in Ayurveda. This well-known Ayurvedic natural mix is a fine powder made from three popular herbs. The special blend combines the respective benefits of the herbs.

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Three herbs of particular significance

As the name of the herbal combination Triphala (‘three fruits’) suggests, it is composed of the three fruits Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki. This is no coincidence, as the number three holds special significance in Ayurveda and embodies the three-part approach of body, soul and mind. Ayurvedic practitioners value the effects of Triphala on the body and have been using it for many years. The three fruits selected for the Triphala by VITALOVE also hold special significance. They belong to the Myrobalan genus, a family of winged-seeded plants. There are several hundred species of these in tropical regions, which have held a firm place in Ayurveda for 1,000 years and enjoy great popularity there.

Haritaki

Haritaki is known as the black myrobalan and grows in the Middle East, India, China and Thailand. It bears green fruits, which are a component of Triphala. The fruits are held in particularly high regard in Ayurveda, where they are known as the ‘Queen of Medicine’. Haritaki contains high levels of tannins, flavonoids, gallic acid and ellagic acid.

Amalaki

Amalaki is the fruit of the amla tree, also known as the amla berry or ‘Indian gooseberry’. It has long been used in Indian medicine and beauty care. This is mainly because Amalaki has a high content of vitamin C, amino acids, minerals and fatty acids. Furthermore, amla oil can be extracted from the berry, which can be used for hair care. The berries of the amla tree are edible and feature as an ingredient in various vegetable dishes.

Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki, also known as the bahera tree, is a tree that grows mainly in South-East Asia. The fruit of the tree has long been a part of Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly valued for its tannins and polyphenols. It also contains gallic acid and ellagic acid. Interestingly, the seeds of the fruit were once used as dice for games of chance.

Uses: Both internal and external

Triphala is usually available as a powder and can be used in various ways. It can be applied both internally and externally to take effect, allowing its benefits to be experienced in different ways. The herbal blend is best known as a tea and is traditionally used as such. To prepare it, half a teaspoon is steeped in hot water. The tea must be left to steep for about ten to 15 minutes before the Triphala can develop its full flavour. It is recommended to drink the tea in the morning immediately after getting up or in the evening before going to bed. Triphala is also popular as a spice. The powder can be combined particularly well with Ayurvedic soups, but it can also be used to enhance other dishes. What makes it special is that, from a Vedic perspective, five of the six tastes can be detected in Triphala. Only the salty flavour is absent. However, the simplest way to take it is in capsule form. Here, the ideal amount of Triphala has already been measured out and packaged, so that, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you simply need to take the specified number of capsules with a meal. Anyone wishing to experience the effects of Triphala externally can incorporate the herbal blend into their next massage. To allow the effects to take full effect, Triphala ghee – produced using a labour-intensive process – is recommended, for example. However, a massage using the herbal powder is also possible. This is known as Udvartana and, in addition to the benefits of Triphala, has the practical advantage of exfoliating the skin with the dry powder. To do this, Triphala is mixed with barley flour and the mixture is rubbed into the skin using circular movements. Another area of application for Triphala is oral hygiene. As a component of oral care oils, the herbal mixture can be used for oil pulling. Triphala also has a firm place in beauty care, whether used in washes or as a bath additive.

It is important, however, not to take Triphala daily over the long term. To avoid any unwanted side effects, regular breaks should be taken. Ideally, a course of treatment with Triphala lasting several weeks should be undertaken several times a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are various ways to buy Triphala. It is available both in well-stocked health food stores and in numerous online shops, such as VITALOVE, and can be purchased in powder or capsule form.

Triphala is a well-known herbal blend and holds a central significance especially in Ayurveda. It is a fine powder made from three different herbs. The special mixture combines the respective benefits of the herbs.

Depending on the form in which Triphala is available, it is consumed either as a powder or in capsule form. Attention should be paid to the respective manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding the dosage. External use is also possible, for example in the form of a massage.

Triphala means "three fruits" and consists of the three fruits found in different proportions in the mixture. These are the fruits Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan), and Bibhitaki (Belleric Myrobalan). The herbal mixture itself is a fine powder.

Triphala should be stored as dry as possible, preferably in the packaging in which the product was purchased. It should be kept in a cool, dark place that maintains a constant temperature and is away from sunlight.

Depending on the manufacturer, a different steeping time is recommended. Basically, it can be said that tea tastes stronger the longer it steeps. Since Triphala has a distinctive flavor, a shorter steeping time at the beginning may be advisable to get used to the taste.